University of Santo Tomas came to its senses after a lethargic start to oust Far Eastern University in the playoff, 16-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-16, and advance to the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball stepladder on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Golden Tigresses, who swept all three of their encounters against the Lady Tamaraws this year, will make their sixth consecutive top-four appearance dating back to Season 81 (2019), where they advanced all the way to the Finals.
UST will face third-ranked Adamson University in the stepladder quarterfinals at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, still at the Big Dome.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The Golden Tigresses have yet to win a game, and even a single set, against the Lady Falcons this season.
The winner will face defending two-time champion National University on May 2 in the final stage of the stepladder. Then the victor advances to meet unbeaten La Salle in the best-of-three Finals beginning May 6.
“Sobrang proud sa team and happy din kasi alam naman nating lahat ‘yung pinagdaanan namin na at least, nakaka-survive kami. And I’m sure mas magiging eager ‘yung team pagdating ng stepladder,” said head coach Shaq Delos Santos, who returned to UST this season.
Trailing by just two points midway through the fourth set, 12-10, Angge Poyos took charge and carried the Golden Tigresses all the way to victory.
The Season 86 Rookie of the Year delivered six points in UST’s 9-2 closing run to seal the match in two hours and six minutes.
“Alam naman nating ngayong season, sobrang unpredictable — lahat kayang manalo. Grateful lang ako sa coaches na grabe yung tiyaga sa amin, at saka sa teammates ko na iniyakan ko kagabi pa lang na, please ayaw ko pang mag pro,” said UST captain Detdet Pepito, who impressed anew with 15-of-17 excellent receptions and 18-of-27 excellent digs.
Poyos erupted for 26 points on 22 attacks and four blocks, along with seven receptions and five digs. Then Reg Jurado added 11 points despite a tough 9-of-48 attacking clip and also contributed 12 digs.
Xyza Gula, who changed the complexion of the game after the opening set, chipped in nine points, 11 digs, and seven receptions, while Avril Bron added eight points.
Cassie Carballo also steered the offense well with 21 excellent sets, seven digs, and two points.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, the Lady Tamaraws finished their campaign in fifth place, ending a two-season streak of Top Four finishes.
Captain Gerzel Petallo led FEU with 14 points on nine attacks and five blocks, alongside 14-of-20 excellent receptions and 9-of-16 digs.
Clarisse Loresco added 11 points, while Faida Bakanke and Jazlyn Ellarina chipped in nine points apiece in the loss.
In her final game for FEU, setter Tin Ubaldo tallied 15 excellent sets and three points.
